Fri Jul 18 05:41:38 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A Class VIII student, Midhun, tragically died from electrocution at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam after accidentally touching a low-hanging power line while retrieving his footwear. The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has attributed the incident to negligence by the school management and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), citing the KSEB’s failure to address the dangerous proximity of the power line and the school’s lack of barriers preventing access to the awning where the incident occurred. The Commission has issued a notice to the KSEB and is seeking reports from various entities as part of its investigation, with plans to recommend government action for culpable negligence.
**News Article:**
**Kollam Student Dies in Electrocution; Negligence Blamed**
**Thiruvananthapuram, July 18, 2025** – A Class VIII student, identified as 13-year-old Midhun, tragically lost his life on Thursday at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district after being electrocuted. The incident occurred when Midhun attempted to retrieve his footwear from the roof of the school’s bicycle shed and accidentally came into contact with a dangerously low-hanging power line.
Following an inspection of the school premises, M.V. Jayakumar, chairperson of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, condemned the incident as a result of negligence by both the school management and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). According to Jayakumar, the KSEB failed to address the obvious hazard posed by the sagging low-tension power line, which was in violation of public safety regulations. He also criticized the school for not erecting barriers to prevent students from accessing the awning where the incident took place.
“It is unfortunate that a tragedy had to happen for the school and KSEB authorities to realize their folly,” said Jayakumar. “The commission prima facie views the serious lapses as culpable negligence and will move the government for appropriate action.”
The Commission has issued a notice to the Assistant Engineer in charge of the KSEB section and is currently seeking reports from the police, the school management, the Parents and Teachers’ Association (PTA), and local panchayat authorities. A detailed report will be submitted to the government at the earliest.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, raising concerns about safety standards in schools and the responsibilities of utility providers in maintaining public safety.
First Piper 